At the November 10, 2022 meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded $70,386 in Organizational Development Grants.
The CMAB Organizational Development program provides funds to help establish, maintain & strengthen the infrastructure of nonprofit arts organizations. These funds are also available to assist arts groups in establishing 501(c)(3) status. Funding for this grant program is provided through an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the state’s general fund, and the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund created by the Voters of Minnesota.
The following organizations were awarded:
1. Buffalo Community Theater, $7,096, to support a board team building workshop, Intimacy director training and for lighting and sound equipment.
2. Great River Educational Arts Theatre, $10,000, to facilitate strategic planning for board of directors and staff.
3. Lyricality, $10,000, for development and communications advising and D-E-I Think Tank collaboration among local artists to identify Central Minnesota cultures and groups with limited or narrow access to arts & culture engagement opportunities.
4. Melrose Area Arts Council, $8,500, to assist with filing for nonprofit status and to develop the organization’s website for promoting projects and events.
5. Paramount Center for the Arts, $10,000, for the implementation of their Strategic Plan Initiatives that include organizations with partnership goals to enhance the presence of the arts across the community.
6. SOAR Regional Arts, $10,000, to purchase a wireless microphone system in order to mitigate rising rental costs and to increase organizational sustainability through staff time with a grant research and grant writing consultant.
7. St. Cloud Municipal Band, $4,790, for the purchase of stackable folding performance chairs, chair carts and music stand carts for performances at outdoor concerts.
8. Youth Chorale of Central MN, $10,000, for the development of a branding and marketing plan including website updates that accurately reflect current programming, new ensembles and staff members.
The Central Minnesota Arts Board supports collaborative and innovative arts opportunities through partnerships and financial investments in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties as one of eleven Regional Arts Councils designated by the Minnesota State Arts Board working with community partners to increase access to the unique cultural assets of Minnesota.